In the opening week of the Fall 2024 semester, Richmont welcomed its largest number of School of Ministry students to date with 86 enrolled, including an exciting third cohort of doctoral students.
“It is encouraging to see the School of Ministry to continue to thrive alongside the School of Counseling. It speaks to our university’s identity of faith integration and specifically serves the Church.”
– Dr. Joshua Rice
Provost and Dean of the School of Ministry
In the opening week of the Fall 2023 semester, Richmont welcomed its largest number of School of Ministry students to date with 81 enrolled, including an exciting second cohort of doctoral students.
“In a time when so many graduate schools in theology and ministry are fighting to survive, it is encouraging to see Richmont’s School of Ministry expand its reach. Our focus on wholeness and formation along with practical skills is resonating, and this is encouraging.”
– Dr. Joshua Rice
Provost and Dean of the School of Ministry
This month, Richmont Graduate University is celebrating the launch of an inaugural cohort in its Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Leadership program. “This degree signifies our ongoing commitment to Christ-centered spiritual formation which is at the heart of our institutional mission and identity,” comments Dr. Preston Hill, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. “For too long, the disciplines of spiritual formation and theology have been set at odds with one another. In our Doctor of Ministry Program, we are experiencing the exhilarating truth that they are ancient friends in the ministry of holistic transformation.”
Richmont’s Doctor of Ministry offering is focused on two dimensions that are integral to the work of both pastors and Christian counselors: spiritual formation and leadership. With a blend of rigorous theological study and practical ministry projects, this program goes beyond the master’s level to equip a new generation of ministry leaders to serve their congregations, clients, and communities in transformative ways. To learn more about the program, visit Richmont Graduate University Academics
Dr. Preston Hill and Dr. Sam Youngs recently keynoted the Public Theology Lecture Series at The Mission Chattanooga. Dr. Youngs’ address was entitled, “When Doctrine Hurts: Theology in Light of Trauma,
and focused on the effects of toxic theology.” Dr. Hill’s lecture, “In Search of Healing: Trauma in light of Theology,” focused on movements toward healing in a biblical and theological framework.
The lectures can be downloaded here:
Dr. Samuel J. Youngs: “When Doctrine Hurts: Theology in Light of Trauma.”
Dr. Preston Hill: “In Search of Healing: Trauma in Light of Theology.”
Richmont Graduate University has established an exciting partnership with Sustainable Faith, a collective of pastors and spiritual directors working to create spiritually healthy cultures among leaders and their communities. The partnership is aligned with Richmont’s School of Ministry, which prepares men and women to fulfill God’s call to transformational ministry. Together, we are set to continue to equip more Christ-like leaders for God’s Kingdom.
The partnership allows Richmont to provide academic credit to Sustainable Faith students. Specifically, Richmont is providing 12 credits of Advanced Standing in our Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction degree to graduates of the Sustainable Faith program. The relationship between Richmont and Sustainable Faith is especially centered on our innovative cohort model of accredited training in the ministry of Spiritual Direction.
Dr. Joshua Rice, Acting Provost and Dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont states, “We’re very excited to partner with Sustainable Faith. Our shared partnership in the ministry of spiritual direction makes this a natural fit. We expect that this agreement will bear fruit for each institution in the future.”
Students can begin receiving academic credit effective in the fall semester of 2022. Visit the Sustainable Faith at sustainablefaith.com.
For more information, please contact Dr. Joshua Rice at jrice@richmont.edu.
The Southern Association for Colleges and Schools has officially approved Richmont’s newest degree program and first offering at the doctoral level. The Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and Leadership is a 3-year program launching its first cohort this fall.
“Richmont’s Doctor of Ministry program is deeply unique in its combination of practical leadership skills, robust theological application, and in-depth spiritual formation that is integrated throughout the whole curriculum,” comments Dr. Sam Youngs, one of several principal authors of the program. “Church and para-church leaders across many contexts will be empowered to strengthen the impact of their ministries while also growing closer to Christ.” Dr. Preston Hill highlights the direct connection between the new doctoral degree and institutional mission: “The launch of the new Doctor of Ministry degree signals a monumental step for advancing Richmont’s mission to provide healing, restoration, and transformation in the world today. This level change is a milestone for our University that will pay dividends of positive social change for years to come. I could not be more thrilled for this opportunity!”
For more information and to apply, please visit: http://academics.richmont.edu
For information on the first cohort retreat, download the Spiritual Formation and Scripture PDF
As we begin our spring semester, out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our campus community, administration has determined that until January 20th in-person classes will be taught virtually, according to the regular campus schedule, via zoom. Classes are scheduled to resume meeting in person on January 21st. All other university services will be open, including libraries and counseling centers.
Richmont Graduate University has established an exciting partnership with the Transforming Center of Wheaton, Illinois. The partnership is aligned with Richmont’s School of Ministry, which prepares men and women to fulfill God’s call to transformational ministry. Consummately, the Transforming Center exists to create space for God to strengthen leaders and transform communities. Together, we are set to continue to equip more Christ-like leaders for God’s Kingdom.
The partnership allows Richmont to provide academic credit to Transforming Center students. Specifically, Richmont is providing 12 credits of Advanced Standing in our Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Direction degree to graduates of the Transforming Community program. The relationship between Richmont and the Transforming Center is especially centered on our innovative cohort model of accredited training in the ministry of Spiritual Direction.
Dr. Joshua Rice, Acting Provost and Dean of the School of Ministry at Richmont states, “We’re very excited to partner with the Transforming Center. Dr. Ruth Haley Barton has been a guest lecturer and friend to Richmont for several years. This agreement represents a new partnership we believe will bear fruit for each institution in the future.”
Students can begin receiving academic credit effective in the spring semester of 2021. Visit the Transforming Center at transformingcenter.org
For more information, please contact Dr. Joshua Rice at jrice@richmont.edu.